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While trauma is recognized as being common in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) cohorts, limited research has explored how trauma impacts the lived experience of IBD. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of how trauma impacts the experience of living with IBD and its subsequent management. An interpretative phenomenological analysis with thematic analysis was conducted. Eighteen adults with IBD participated in this qualitative research study. Key themes identified included: (1) Trauma was associated with the journey of IBD; (2) the impact of IBD and trauma, and (3) coping strategies. Pre-existing non-IBD trauma was prevalent, with several participants reporting links between traumatic events and their IBD diagnosis. Experiences of IBD trauma were described by participants across all stages of their illness journey. The study can assist healthcare professionals to better understand the experience of living with IBD and trauma and the factors that can contribute to traumatic responses.

Background and Aims: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Living with a medical condition has been linked to the development of PTSD and to adversely impact patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to extend the common sense model (CSM) and evaluate trauma as an additional psychosocial process in the relationship between IBD symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Method: A cross-sectional online study exploring trauma and IBD was performed. Results: 68 (32.2%) of the sample met the criteria for PTSD. Of this trauma group, 37 (54.4%) reported IBD related trauma, 21 (30.9%) reported non-IBD related trauma and 10 (14.7%) did not identify the trauma type. A structural equation model (SEM) based upon the CSM was found to have an excellent fit (χ2 (3)=1.10, p=0.35, RMSEA=0.02, SRMR=0.02, CFI=1.00, GFI=0.99). Results showed that trauma symptoms partially mediated the relationship between illness perceptions and QoL and fully mediated the relationship between maladaptive coping and QoL. Conclusion: This study extended the CSM and found that trauma symptoms functioned as a mediator between IBD activity and QoL. These results highlight the need for a holistic approach including psychological assessment and intervention in IBD.

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